"Sarah and I had an awesome time. We were both impressed by and appreciated the fact that you actually taught us some of the finer points of climbing, rather than just setting a rope and saying "there you go." -Mike, Wisconsin

The high peaks of central Mexico are some of the tallest in North America with Pico de Orizaba coming in at 18,490 ft., Iztaccihuatl at 17,159 ft., and La Malinche at 14,640 ft. (higher than our Mt. Elbert, the highest peak in Colorado). Because of their extreme altitude these peaks make great acclimatization peaks for those preparing for ascending other high peaks around the world or those looking to see how they respond to those high altitudes before planning trips to places such as the Himalaya, Andes, and Alaska range. While they may be high they are relatively moderate peaks requiring only basic mountaineering skills which we work into our itinerary. So in addition to understanding how you physiologically respond to altitude you can also practice mountaineering skills such as the use of crampons and ice axes as well as travelling on a rope team while ascending moderate snow slopes in the thin air south of the border. This is the best opportunity for those looking to build basic skills, participate in a low key foreign expedition or just reach a new personal altitude record.

​​All of the logistics are taken care of by our U.S. guides so all you have to do is show up fit and ready to climb. It is also a great way to explore different parts of a foreign country while learning new climbing skills.

Prerequisites

While previous mountaineering experience is not required it is helpful.

Experience at altitude such as climbing a 14er with us is encouraged. Check out one of our local trips.

What is Included

Guide fees, including support staff.

Ground transportation while in Mexico including to and from the airport.

Food and lodging from the evening of arrival to the morning of departure.

Personal clothing, toiletries, and other personal items such as drinks and snacks during the day​.

Travel/Trip Insurance and Health Insurance coverage outside of your home country (highly recommended)

Guide and staff gratuities

What you Must Provide

Itinerary

Day 1: This is a travel day, plan to arrive in Mexico City in the early afternoon where we will pick you up from the airport. After everyone has had a quick chance to settle into their rooms we'll take a small walk around the Zocalo, where we'll be staying near, to take in the sites and stretch our legs.
Afterwards we'll grab dinner and talk about our plans for tomorrow.

Day 2: After meeting for breakfast early in the day we'll head to Teotihuacan and hike around these ancient pyramids for further acclimatization and exploration. before driving to the Centro Vacacional at 10k on La Malinche for the night.

Day 3: Today we hike to the summit of of La Malinche a 14er and our first peak of the trip. We will stay another night at the Centro Vacacional. This is a good warmup hike of around 8 miles with 4500 ft. of elevation gain.

Day 4: After a quick stop for any supplies we may need in Amecameca we will drive to La Joya trailhead before heading up to our hut for the day. This is a steep but gorgeous hike thru several bio zones with around 2300 ft of gain in 2.5 miles.

Day 5: Today is a day for practicing climbing skills on the nearby snowfield. With the protection of a rope we'll practice simple skills such as walking with the rope on and putting on crampons as well as more difficult skills such as self arrest and climbing steep snow.

Day 6: On this day we will make our way back up the snow with eyes for the summit. With an alpine start we'll make our way up the snow to the final ridge and the summit at 17,159 ft. From there we'll head back to our high camp for what remains of the day.

Day 7: With a casual start time we will pack up our gear and hike back out to the vehicles. From there we'll head to Puebla where we can get supplies for our final summit and explore the city.

Day 8: In the morning we'll head to Tlachichuca where we'll get a 4x4 ride to the Piedra Grande hut which is almost as high as our first peak. From there we'll take some time to explore around basecamp and enjoy the scenery before the big day.

Day 9: Summit day for Orizaba. We start very early for a nearly 4500 ft. ascent thru the labyrinth and on to the Jamapa glacier. After the summit we'll head back to the hut where we'll pack up our gear and head into Tlachichuca for a night of celebration​Day 10:​​​ After a morning debrief on the entire experience we will head back to the airport in Mexico City for people's final departures. Plan flight departures for the afternoon/evening.

Registration and payment must be received 30 days before the start date. This includes receipt of all forms, waivers, and travel documents.

Cancellations within 30 days of the start date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 15 days of the start date will not be refunded. If you need to cancel 30 days or longer before the start date you will receive a full refund less a $50 fee. We highly recommend trip/travel insurance to cover the costs associated with cancellation should you need to cancel your reservation for an unforseen event.

Participants will receive a receipt of their registration and payment.

​​This is a great opportunity to learn many mountaineering skills at a discounted price or to just enjoy some amazing peaks in sunny Mexico. This can also be booked at our custom guided rates on a limited basis from November through March. A full gear and travel packet will be sent upon receipt of deposit. Deposit must be at least 50% of trip cost.